In working with seniors, one common error is the rush to assume that because someone has reached a certain age, any negative changes in thinking or behavior must be due to the onset of dementia. Promoted by age related stereotypes, many suspect dementia as the probable cause of symptoms that for non-seniors would be quickly [...]
A friend who works in a special needs classroom at our middle school was talking about a delightful new student they have in their program this year. She mentioned that in spite of his challenges, the student is a content, personable, and humorous young man who is a joy to be with. “His parents really [...]
Guest article by Cheryl Levin-Folio My husband, Michael, was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 56. It was surreal and hard to swallow, but we didn’t run away. Nor did we try to escape the stigma that accompanied the devastating news. We let it sink in and created a plan to live our [...]
The Peruvian Association for Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias [ Asociacion Peruana de Enfermedad de Alzheimer y Otras Demencias(APEAD) ] with Entel, created a clever short video entitled E-Alz. Memory Error. [Error de Memoria] to help young people understand the effects of Alzheimer’s. Memory Error is a short film for younger people, based on Victor Pizarro, [...]
Imagine finding a glimmer of good news in a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. A neurologist who’s been specializing in dementia and memory loss for more than 20 years, Dr. Gayatri Devi rewrites the story of Alzheimer’s by defining it as a spectrum disorder—like autism, Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects different people differently. Told through the [...]
Becoming a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be an underappreciated, and yet noble role. Because of the nature of these disorders, the only way to become an effective caregiver is to become well-informed about the disease. With the right information, you can become your own expert at both caring for your charge and [...]
“Am I 90 Yet? Mom asked. I heard those words many times the last year of mother’s life. My mother’s memory was fading. Nevertheless, she was still sharp in certain areas, for example; remembering her standing Saturday morning hair appointment, biweekly manicure or that I was too slow in picking up her dry cleaning. On [...]
That’s my dad with his beautiful snow-white curls framed by the lake. He still knows me, but the last stroke left him in a wheelchair, in an adult family home, and with dementia. His love of 65 years has been gone for almost two years now. Your mother was just here and I wish she [...]
Too often caregivers feel that their loved one’s incontinence is a natural result of aging, dementia, medication or disability. They may not seek help because they assume that nothing can be done. But that might not be entirely true. Let’s learn about this too-little-talked-about condition. First of all, we need a basic anatomy lesson. The [...]
Your whole family is gathered for dinner during the holidays. Your sister-in-law is playing a video to entertain her two boys. Your spouse is having an animated discussion with your brother about holiday-light displays. A timer is buzzing in the kitchen. Your teenage daughter tells you that your mother, who lives with Alzheimer’s, is upset. [...]
